Executive Session/Regular Meeting - 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2026 of the Township of Union Board of Education, at the DMK Black Box Theater, 1980 Morris Avenue, Union, New Jersey 07083.
The Board will open the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and go into executive (closed) session. The Board will return to the public thereafter.
TOWNSHIP OF UNION BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA – June 16, 2025
1. Roll Call
2. Flag Salute
3. Mission Statement
4. Open Public Meetings Act Statement
5. Executive Session
6. Approval of Minutes:
1. May 12, 2026 – worksession
2. May 12, 2026 – executive session
3. May 19, 2026 – regular meeting
4. May 19, 2026 – executive session #1 and #2
7. Communications:
Use of Facilities:
LETTER FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VAUXHALL
Letter from First Baptist Church of Vauxhall requesting the use of the Jefferson School parking lot on Saturday, September 5, 2026 for a community service event (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Letters of Resignation:
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – TSAGARIS
Letter of resignation from Lauren Tsagaris, ESL teacher-Jefferson School, effective May 7, 2026.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – EWASKIEW
Letter of resignation from Sondra Ewaskiew, paraprofessional-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, effective July 1, 2026.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – HUNTER
Letter of resignation from Wyatt Hunter, paraprofessional-Union High School, effective June 13, 2026.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION – JORDAN
Letter of resignation from Joyce Jordan, cafeteria/playground aide-Franklin Elementary School, effective June 5, 2026.
Letters of Retirement:
None
Requests for Leave:
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – MOSSER
Request for paid medical leave from James Mosser, teacher-Burnet Middle School, May 6, 2026-June 30, 2026.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE – DaSILVA
Request for leave from Alexa DaSilva, teacher-Union High School, FMLA November 9, 2026-November 25, 2026, NJFLA November 30, 2026-February 22, 2027, contractual maternity leave February 23, 2027-April 5, 2027.
Requests for Leave Update:
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – STANDAL
Request for extension of unpaid medical leave from Laura Standal, teacher-Franklin Elementary School, through June 30, 2026.
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – MANDERICHIO
Request for extension of unpaid FMLA from Stephanie Manderichio, teacher-Jefferson School, April 16, 2026-June 30, 2026.
REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF LEAVE – WATANABE
Request for extension of paid FMLA from Elizabeth Watanabe, teacher-Battle Hill Elementary School, June 10, 2026-June 30, 2026.
REQUEST FOR LEAVE UPDATE – LaPOLLA ARPINO
Update to request for unpaid FMLA from Erin LaPolla Arpino, CST-Connecticut Farms Elementary School, September 1, 2026-December 3, 2026.
Requests for Intermittent Leave:
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – ROTONDO
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Michael Rotondo, custodian-Franklin Elementary School, May 12, 2026-May 11, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – SANGHAVI
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Rachita Sanghavi, paraprofessional-Kawameeh Middle School, September 1, 2026-June 30, 2027.
REQUEST FOR INTERMITTENT LEAVE – FRY
Request for paid intermittent FMLA from Robyn Fry, teacher-Jefferson School, May 29, 2026-June 30, 2026.
8. Comments from Public (on resolutions):
9. Superintendent’s Report:
1. Superintendent’s Report
2. Student Liaison
3. Students Earning Seal of Biliteracy
10. Education/Student Discipline Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Education/Student Discipline Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
E-1. Agenda item reported at June 9, 2026 worksession – Superintendent Report of HIB (May 20-June 9, 2026)
E-1-A. AFFIRM SUPERINTENDENT’S DETERMINATION OF HIB
Affirm the Superintendent’s determination of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the periods May 20, 2026 to June 9, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-1-1. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT OF HIB
Superintendent’s Report of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (HIB) for the period June 10, 2026 to June 16, 2026, none at this time, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda (no vote required; for reporting purposes only).
E-2. APPROVE AMENDED ARTICULATION AGREEMENT – KEAN UNIVERSITY
Approve amendment to the Articulation Agreement between Kean University and Union High School: Curriculum Title: Com 1402: Speech Communication as Critical Citizenship for the period of November 1, 2023 to January 31, 2028, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-3. APPROVE CDW-G MAKERBOT IMPLEMENTATION WORKSHOP
Approve CDW-G Makerbot Implementation Workshop at Kawameeh Middle School, date TBD, a two-hour training workshop for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program teachers on 3D printing and basic 3D design, at a cost of $1,535.00.
E-4. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF ESEA APPLICATION
Approve submission of the ESEA application for the 2026-2027 school year.
E-5. APPROVE TO ACCEPT FUNDS FROM THE NJDOE NEW JERSEY HIGH IMPACT TUTORING GRANT
Approve to accept funds from the NJDOE New Jersey High Impact Tutoring Grant received for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $320,000.00 to provide tutoring services in ELA and mathematics.
E-6. APPROVE TO ACCEPT FUNDS FROM NJDOE FUNDING FOR OPTIMAL COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSAL SCREENERS GRANT
Approve to accept funds from the NJDOE Funding for Optimal Comprehensive Universal Screeners (FOCUS) grant received for the 2026-2027 school year in the amount of $16,824.00 to provide professional development for K-3 ELA teachers.
E-7. APPROVE TO CREATE AND SUBMIT NJDOE ANNUAL SCHOOL PLANS
Approve to create and submit the NJDOE Annual School Plans for any designated Title I/Title I SIA school for the 2026-2027 school year.
E-8. APPROVE RESOLUTION TO PARTICIPATE IN SUSTAINABLE JERSEY FOR SCHOOLS
Approve and adopt a Resolution for the Township of Union Public Schools to participate in sustainable Jersey for Schools, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-9. APPROVE NJSIAA MEMBERSHIP AND DAANJ MEMBERSHIP
Approve the members and dues for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) ($2,500.00) and Directors of Athletics Association of New Jersey (DAANJ) ($225.00) for Union High School Athletic Department for the 2026-2027 school year.
E-10. APPROVE WORK BASED LEARNING SITE – KEAN UNIVERSITY FOOD SERVICES
Approve Kean University Food Services, Kean University as a work-based learning site for district students during the Extended School Year Session (July 1, 2026-July 30, 2026), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-11. APPROVE HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE EXERCISE SCIENCE FIELDWORK AGREEMENT – KEAN UNIVERSITY
Approve the Health and Human Performance Exercise Science Fieldwork Agreement between Kean University and Union High School, for the period September 1, 2026 through December 21, 2026, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
E-12. Agenda item approved at June 9, 2026 worksession – updated 2025-2026 school calendar
E-13. APPROVE ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS – NJDOE GRANT
Approve acceptance of the funds for the competitive New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) grant – Climate Literacy for Community Resilience Grant in the amount of $30,500.00 for the 2026-2027 school year.
E-14. Agenda item approved at June 9, 2026 worksession – continuation of suspension/home instruction #266543, #285026, #285024, #266593
E-15. APPROVE UPDATED 2026-2027 CALENDARS – STUDENT AND STAFF
Approve the updated calendars for (a) student and (b) staff for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
11. Fiscal and Planning Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Fiscal and Planning Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
F-1. TREASURER’S REPORT
That the Treasurer’s Report dated May 31, 2026 be accepted.
F-2. SECRETARY’S REPORT
That the Secretary’s Report dated May 31, 2026 be accepted.
F-3. CERTIFY TREASURER’S AND SECRETARY’S REPORT
F-4. APPROVE APPROPRIATION TRANSFERS
Approve appropriation transfers in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-5. APPROVE LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASE ORDERS
Approve the attached list of contracts and/or purchase orders (copyrighted materials and licenses) pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5 (bid exceptions to requirement for advertising) and 18A:18A-10(a) (purchase through State agency; procedure), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-6. APPROVE DISTRICTWIDE TRAVEL AND RELATED EXPENSES
Approve districtwide travel and related expenses pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:11-12, N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-7 and Board Policy File Code 6471 and in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-7A. APPROVE DISTRICTWIDE STUDENT FIELD TRIPS
Approve districtwide student field trip destinations and purposes pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:23A-5.8, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-8. APPROVE LIST OF 2025-2026 STATE CONTRACT APPROVED VENDORS
Approve the amended list of the 2025-2026 State Contract Approved Vendors pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-10(a) (purchase through State agency; procedure) to facilitate schools’ purchasing, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-9A. APPROVED LIST OF CONTRACTS/PURCHASES (STUDENT ACTIVITY)
Approve the attached list of contracts and/or purchases pursuant to the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:18A-5(21) (paid by funds raised by or collected by students), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda:
|
School |
Account Name/Account # |
Vendor/Description |
Amount |
|
Union High School |
3280/Wrestling |
Joe Galante c/o TCNJ Wrestling Camp – wrestlers to attend wrestling camp |
$7,000.00 (not to exceed) |
|
Kawameeh Middle School |
17/Music Department |
Major Printing Co. – music t-shirts for High Not music festival |
$2,800.00 |
|
Kawameeh Middle School |
26/Farewell Booklet |
Jostens – books for 2025-2026 school year |
$3,000.00 (not to exceed) |
|
Burnet Middle School |
8G Activities/Main Office |
Cranford Pool – 8th grade trip to Cranford Pool |
$1,150.00 |
|
Burnet Middle School |
8G Activities/Main Office |
Mister’s Food Service food for 8th grade trip to Cranford Pool |
$1,505.00 |
|
Union High School |
2234/UHS Step Team |
BSN Sports & Varsity – cover ups, jackets, bags and other team items |
$5,000.00 |
|
Union High School |
2029/Cheerleading |
Major Printing Company – warms ups and hoodies |
$2,636.00 (not to exceed) |
|
Union High School |
National Honor Society |
NAASP – graduation stoles for NHS graduation |
$2,053.61 |
|
Union High School |
2033/Marching Band |
Camp Shohola – deposit for band camp reservation |
$2,500.00 |
F-9B. APPROVE FUNDRAISERS
Approve the following fundraisers, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda:
|
Event Name |
Date |
Purpose |
|
7 on 7 Football Tournament |
July 22, 2026 |
UHS/Football – to raise funds to support volunteer coaches, develop teamwork and game strategy |
|
Car Wash |
May 23, 2026 |
UHS/Football – to raise funds for training camps, year end celebration, extra apparel |
F-9C. ACCEPT DONATIONS
Accept the following donations:
|
From |
For Use By |
$/Item |
|
Lou Rettino/Fidelity Charitable |
Union High School Athletics |
$1,667.00 |
|
Wells Fargo -Fekete Memorial Education Scholarship Fund |
TUPS Margaret Fekete Senior Scholarship Awards |
$75,000.00 |
F-10. APPROVE 2025-2026 OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENT PLACEMENT LIST
Approval be given to amend the 2025-2026 out-of-district student placement list (month of June), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-11. APPROVE FRONTLINE
Approve Frontline, the district’s program for IEP (special education) and 504 interventions for the 2026-2027 school year, in the amount of $34,662.67.
F-12. APPROVE TUITION CONTRACT – UCVTS
Approve Tuition Contract between the Board of Education of the Vocational Schools in the County of Union (UCVTS) and the Township of Union Board of Education for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-13. APPROVE PURCHASING MANUAL
Approve the 2026-2027 Purchasing Manual, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-14a. APPROVE PARENT/PUPIL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT – 2026-2027
Approve parent/pupil transportation contract for special education student attending DLC Warren (Warren, NJ) at the rate of $52.20 per day (not to exceed $10,962.00) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
F-14b. APPROVE PARENT/PUPIL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT – 2026-2027
Approve parent/pupil transportation contract for special education student attending Phoenix Center (Nutley, NJ) at the rate of $44.40 per day (not to exceed $9,324.00) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
F-14c. APPROVE PARENT/PUPIL TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT – 2026-2027
Approve parent/pupil transportation contract for special education student attending DLC New Providence (New Providence, NJ) at the rate of $40.60 per day (not to exceed $8,526.00) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
F-15. APPROVE TO RENEW, AWARD OR PERMIT TO EXPIRE
Pursuant to P.L. 2015, Chapter 47, the Board intends to renew, award or permit to expire, the contracts previously awarded by the Board of Education. These contracts are, have been, and will continue to be in full compliance with all State and federal statutes and regulations; in particular, New Jersey Title 18A:18 et sq., NJA Chapter 23 and Federal Procurement Regulations 2CFR Part 200.317 et seq., in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-16. APPROVE LUNCH PRICES WITH POMPTONIAN
Approve Pomptonian’s lunch prices for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-17. APPROVE NJDOE UNIFORM MINIMUM CHART OF ACCOUNTS
Approve the New Jersey of Education (NJDOE) Uniform Minimum Chart Accounts for New Jersey public schools as per N.J.A.C. 6A:23A for the 2026-2027 school year.
F-18. APPROVE PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR 2026-2027 TAX LEVY
Approve payment schedule for the 2026-2027 Tax Levy, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-19A. APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO CAPITAL RESERVE
It is recommended that the Board approve the following resolution to transfer funds to capital reserve:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:21-2 and N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish certain reserve accounts; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures under the authority of the Commissioner of Education which permit a board of education to transfer excess revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June; and
WHEREAS, the Union Board of Education has determined that an amount up to $3,000,000.00 may be available for such purpose of transfer;
NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the Union Board of Education that it does authorize the transfer in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000.00 to the Capital Reserve Account established by this Board as per statute and administrative code for the purposes thereof.
F-19B. APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO MAINTENANCE RESERVE
It is recommended that the Board approve the following resolution to transfer funds to maintenance reserve:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:21-2 and N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish certain reserve accounts; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures under the authority of the Commissioner of Education which permit a board of education to transfer excess revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June; and
WHEREAS, the Union Board of Education has determined that an amount up to $1,000,000.00 may be available for such purpose of transfer;
NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the Union Board of Education that it does authorize the transfer in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000.00 to the Maintenance Reserve Account established by this Board as per statute and administrative code for the purposes thereof.
F-19C. APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO EMERGENCY RESERVE
It is recommended that the Board approve the following resolution to transfer funds to emergency reserve:
WHEREAS, N.J.S.A. 18A:21-2 and N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-13 permit a Board of Education to establish certain reserve accounts; and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned statutes authorize procedures under the authority of the Commissioner of Education which permit a board of education to transfer excess revenue or unexpended appropriations into reserve accounts during the month of June; and
WHEREAS, the Union Board of Education has determined that an amount up to $100,000.00 may be available for such purpose of transfer;
NOW BE IT RESOLVED by the Union Board of Education that it does authorize the transfer in an amount not to exceed $100,000.00 to the Emergency Reserve Account established by this Board as per statute and administrative code for the purposes thereof.
F-20. APPROVE CHIEF MEDICAL INSPECTOR – BHARATI MULLICK, M.D.
Approve Bharati Mullick, M.D., as Chief Medical Inspector pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:40-1 for the 2026-2027 school year at an annual fee of $33,000.00.
F-21. APPROVE TEAM PHYSICIAN – KENNETH GIRVAN SWAN JR., M.D.
Approve Kenneth Girvan Swan Jr., M.D., as the Team School Physician for athletics for the 2026-2027 school year at an annual rate of $4,250.00.
F-22. APPROVE ADDENDUM TO EXTEND AGREEMENT – ESS NORTHEAST
Approve Addendum to Extend Agreement between ESS Northeast LLC and the Township of Union Public Schools Preschool Grant Program for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-23. APPROVE ADDENDUM TO EXTEND AGREEMENT – ESS NORTHEAST
Approve Addendum to Extend Agreement between ESS Northeast LLC and the Township of Union Public Schools for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-24. APPROVE NORTH JERSEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES
Approve North Jersey behavioral Health Services (dba The Capstone Center) to provide applied behavior services to a district student for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $259,200.00), in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-25. APPROVE PREFERRED HOME HEALTH CARE AND NURSING SERVICES – NURSING SERVICES
Approve Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services (dba Care Options for Kids) to provide nursing services at the rate of $73.00/hr. for RN and $66.00/hr. for LPN for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $110,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-26. APPROVE EPIC HEALTH SERVICES – NURSING SERVICES
Approve Epic Health Services, dba Aveanna Healthcare, to provide nursing services at the rate of $75.00/hr. for RN and $70.00/hr. for LPN, as well as to provide nursing transportation services at the rate of $150.0 per trip for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $100,000.00, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-27. APPROVE ATC HEALTH CARE SERVICES – NURSING SERVICES
Approve ATC (Around the Clock) Healthcare Services to provide nursing services at the rate of $91.50/hr. for an RN-CSN and $72.00 for an RN non-CSN and $60.00 for an LPN for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $550,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-28. APPROVE STARLIGHT HOME CARE AGENCY – NURSING SERVICES
Approve Starlight Homecare Agency, dba Star Pediatric Home Care Agency, to provide nursing services at the rate of $68.00/hr. for RN and $58.00/hr. for LPN for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $125,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-29. APPROVE BAYADA HOME HEALTH CARE – NURSING SERVICES
Approve Bayada Home Health Care to provide nursing services at the rate of $77.00/hr. for an RN and $75.00/hr. for an LPN for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $60,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #7074/11-000-219-320-01-19].
F-30. APPROVE KID CLAN – EVALUATIONS
Approve Kid Clan for the following evaluations: (a) occupational therapy - $375.00, (b) physical therapy - $375.00, (c) monolingual speech - $375.00, (d) monolingual social - $375.00, (e) monolingual educational - $400.00, (f) monolingual psychological - $400.00, (g) bilingual speech - $475.00, (h) bilingual social - $410.00, (i) bilingual educational - $475,00, (j) bilingual psychological - $475.00 for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $25,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #7074/11-000-219-320-01-19].
F-31. APPROVE SHORT HILLS ASSOCIATES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY – EVALUATION
Approve Short Hills Associates in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Cecilia Belardinelli, for psychiatric evaluation (including report) at a rate of $850.00 per evaluation for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $20,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19].
F-32. APPROVE MORRIS UNION JOINTURE COMMISSION
Approve Morris Union Jointure Commission (MUJC) to provide the following: (a) physical therapy - $235.00/hr., (b) occupational therapy - $215.00/hr., (c) speech therapy - $250.00/hr., (d) full-time personal aides for ESY - $11,600.00, (e) full-time personal aides for school year - $69,600.00, (f) half-time aides for ESY - $5,800.00, (g) half-time aides for school year - $34,800.00, in accordance with the student’s IEPs for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $650,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-33. APPROVE JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES – EVALUATIONS
Approve Jewish Vocational Services to provide vocational evaluations (2-3 days) at the rate of $1,200.00 per evaluation for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $3,600.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #11-000-219-320-01-19].
F-34. APPROVE OUR HOUSE – COMMUNITY BASED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Approve Our House to provide community-based employment services to district students at the rate of $81.00/hr. per individual and $54.00/hr. group rate per student for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $100,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #7043/11-000-216-320-01-19].
F-35. APPROVE POSITIVE PATHWAYS BEHAVIOR SERVICES – HOME INSTRUCTION
Approve teachers employed through Positive Pathways Behavior Services to provide home instruction for district students on an “as needed” basis for the 2026-2027 school year (not to exceed $5,000.00), in accordance with the information appended to the agenda [Account #7693-11-150-100-320-01-19].
F-36. APPROVE CONTINUED USE OF LEARNING ALLY – STUDENT READING SUPPORT SERVICES
Approve the continued use of Learning Ally, Inc. by eligible students in Livingston, Franklin, Washington, Hannah Caldwell, Battle Hill, Connecticut Farms and Jefferson Elementary Schools for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year (ending June 30, 2026), at no cost to the district. This has been made feasible from a grant from the NJDOE to Learning Ally to provide additional services to public school districts currently contracted with Learning Ally.
F-37. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC CHAPTERS 192-193 SERVICES – UCESC
Approve Agreement for Nonpublic – Public Law 1977 Chapters 192-193 Services with the Union County Education Services Commission (UCESC) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-38. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC EQUITABLE IDEA-B SERVICES – UCESC
Approve Resolution and Agreement for Nonpublic School Equitable IDEA-B Services with the Union County Education Services Commission (UCESC) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-39. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC CHAPTER 226 NURSING SERVICES – UCESC
Approve Resolution and Agreement for Chapter 226 Nonpublic School Nursing Services with the Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-40. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC SECURITY AID PROGRAM – UCESC
Approve Resolution and Agreement for the New Jersey Nonpublic Security Aid Program with the Union County Educational Services Commission (UCESC) for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-41. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS – UCESC
Approve Resolution and Agreement for the New Jersey Nonpublic School Textbooks with the Union County Educational Services commission for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-42. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR NONPUBLIC TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE PROGRAM – UCESC
Approve Resolution and Agreement for New Jersey Nonpublic Technology Initiative Program with the Union County Educational Services for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-43. APPROVE AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES – UCESC
Approve Agreement for Professional Services with the Union County Educational Services Commission for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
F-44. APPROVE SUBMISSION OF 2027 IDEA-B GRANT
Approve the submission of the SFY 2027 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act-B (IDEA-B) grant application to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
F-ATTY. For informational purposes only – vote not required. List of legal services paid as of May 31, 2026 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
12. Grievance/Negotiations Committee:
13. Operations/Technology Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Operations/Technology Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
O-1. APPROVE SECURITY DRILL/BUS EVACUATION REPORTS
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:41-1 and P.L. 2009, Chapter 178, approve the following security drill for the month of May 2026 and, if applicable, bus evacuation reports for the 2025-2026 school year, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
O-2. APPROVE REQUEST FROM FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF VAUXHALL
Approve request from First Baptist Church of Vauxhall for the use of the Jefferson School parking lot on Saturday, September 26, 2026 for a community service event (6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.).
O-3. APPROVE NOTIFICATION OF ASSET CHANGE OF STATUS
Approve the Notification of Asset Change of Status for disposal of one (1) binding machine at the Livingston Elementary School, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
O-4. APPROVE RENTAL FEE SCHEDULE – 2026-2027
Approve rental fee schedule for the use of school facilities for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
T-1. APPROVE RECYCLING OF EQUIPMENT
Approve list of equipment for recycling, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
T-2. APPROVE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE - IT EQUIPMENT
Approve advertisement for sale of the following IT equipment: 19x New Lamps for SMART UX80 Projector which has been deemed no longer serviceable, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
14. Personnel Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Personnel Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s consideration:
P-1A. PERSONNEL ACTIONS – NEW HIRES
Personnel Actions-New Hires be approved in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-1B PERSONNEL ACTIONS – EXTRA PAY
Personnel Actions-Extra Pay be approved in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-1C PERSONNEL ACTIONS – TRANSFERS
Personnel Actions- Transfers be approved in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-2. APPROVE SUBSTITUTE LISTS
Approve Substitute Lists for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year.
|
Name |
Position |
Rate |
|
Aurian Young |
Sub-custodian |
$16.00/hr. |
|
Gilberto Mejial |
Sub-custodian |
$16.00/hr. |
P-3A. ACCEPT LETTERS OF RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Accept letters of resignation/retirement from the following staff, with regrets:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Eff. Date |
Reason |
Years of Service |
|
Resignations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lauren Tsagaris |
ESL teacher |
Jefferson |
5/7/2026 |
Resignation |
8 yrs. |
|
Sondra Ewaskiew |
Paraprofessional |
Connecticut Farms |
7/1/2026 |
Resignation |
9 yrs. |
|
Wyatt Hunter |
Paraprofessional |
UHS |
6/13/2026 |
Resignation |
1 yr. |
|
Joyce Jordan |
Cafeteria/ playground aide |
Franklin |
6/5/2026 |
Resignation |
6 yrs. |
P-3B. APPROVE LEAVES
Approve leaves for the following staff:
|
Name |
Position |
Location |
Eff. Dates |
Reason |
|
Intermittent Leave: |
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Rotundo |
Custodian |
Franklin |
5/12/2026-06/11/2027 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
|
Rachita Sanghavi |
Paraprofessional |
KMS |
9/1/2026-6/30/2027 |
Paid Intermittent FMLA |
|
Robyn Fry |
Teacher |
Jefferson |
5/29/2026-6/30/2026 |
Paid intermittent FMLA |
|
Leave Updates: |
|
|
|
|
|
Laura Standal |
Teacher |
Franklin |
Through 6/30/2026 |
Extension of unpaid medical leave |
|
Stephanie Manderichio |
Teacher |
Jefferson |
4/16/2026-6/30/2026 |
Extension of unpaid FMLA |
|
Elizabeth Watanabe |
Teacher |
Battle Hill |
6/10/2026-6/30/2026 |
Extension of paid FMLA |
|
Erin LaPolla Arpino |
CST |
Connecticut Farms |
Updated 9/1/2026-12/3/2026 |
Updated Unpaid FMLA |
|
Leaves: |
|
|
|
|
|
James Mosser |
Teacher |
BMS |
5/6/2026-6/30/2026 |
Paid medical leave |
|
Alexa DaSilva |
Teacher |
UHS |
11/9/2026-04/05/2027 |
FMLA 11/9/2026-11/25/2026 NJFLA 11/30/2026-2/22/2027 Contractual maternity leave 2/23/2027- 4/5/2027 |
P-4. APPROVE STUDENT TEACHERS AND INTERNSHIPS
Approve student teachers and internships for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-5. APPROVE DESIGNATION OF BOARD’S AGENTS TO REQUEST STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS
Approve the following resolution to designate the Board’s agent to request State and federal funds:
RESOLVED, the Superintendent of Schools and the Business Administrator/Board Secretary for the Township of Union Board of Education or their designees, be designated as the Board’s agents to request state and federal funds under the existing State and Federal Laws for the 2026-2027 school year.
P-6 APPROVE DESIGNATED PERSON – ADA/FACILITY COORDINATOR, IPM COORDINATOR AND AHERA
Approve Anthony Cirella, Facility Manager, as ADA/Facility Coordinator, IPM coordinator and AHERA designated person for the 2026-2027 school year at no cost to the district.
P-7. APPROVE EMPLOYEES FOR REAPPOINTMENT – 2026-2027
Approve employees on the attached list to be reappointed for the 2026-2027 school year, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
P-8. APPROVE TREASURER OF SCHOOL MONIES – TED GEORGIOU
Approve Ted Georgiou as the Treasurer of School Monies for 2026-2027 school year at an annual rate of $5,380.36.
P-9. APPROVE RESIDENCY INVESTIGATORS – 2026-2027 - UPDATE
Approve residency investigators to work during the 2026-2027 school year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), as follows: (a) Maria Schmidtberg – not to exceed 100 hours per month, unless authorized ($28.78/hr.) and (b) Dan Hodge – not to exceed 70 hours per month ($23.61/hr.).
P-10. APPROVE AFFIRMATIVE ACTION OFFICERS – 2026-2027
Approve updated Affirmative Action Officers for the 2026-2027 school year, at no cost to the district, as follows: Isabella Scocozza and Lauren Barnes, as Affirmative Action Officers and Chris Carew, as Affirmative Action Officer for classroom practice.
P-11. APPROVE ATTENDANCE AT NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD FALL CONFERENCE
Approve Randi Hutchinson, Dr. Jeremy Cohen and Craig Wojick to attend the NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD 2026 Fall Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 14-16, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00.
P-12. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – McKENZIE
Approve Employment Contract for Marissa McKenzie, as Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, approved by the County Superintendent, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
P-13. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – RODRIGUEZ
Approve Employment Contract for Dr. Jose Rodriguez, as Assistant Superintendent, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, approved by the County Superintendent, in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
P-14. APPROVE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT – KOON
Approve Employment Contract for Yolanda Koon, as School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary, for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, approved by the County Superintendent. in accordance with the non-public information appended to the agenda.
P-15. Approved at June 9, 2026 worksession – Job Description-Manager of Safety, Security, Emergency Operations and Compliance.
P-16. AUTHORIZATION FOR SUPERINTENDENT TO HIRE STAFF BETWEEN JUNE 17, 2026 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
The Township of Union Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to offer employment and make staff hiring decisions as necessary between June 17, 2026 and September 30, 2026 (summer months), subject to final approval by the Board of Education at its next regularly scheduled or special meeting and that any and all such appointments made by the Superintendent shall be presented to the Board for ratification at the Board’s next available public meeting.
P-17. APPROVE RECLASSIFICATION OF POSITION
The Board of Education approves the reclassification of the position of Manager of Security to Manager of Safety, Security, Emergency Operations & Compliance, effective July 1, 2026.
P-18. RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING COMPLETION OF THE ANNUAL EVALUATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
The Board of Education acknowledges completion of the annual evaluation of the Superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year in accordance with applicable law and Board policy.
15. Policy Committee:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Policy Committee presents the following policy(ies) for the Board’s consideration: (FINAL READING/ADOPTION)
POL-1. POLICY 2624 - GRADING SYSTEM
Approve Policy 2624 – Grading System, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
REG-1. REGULATION 2624 – GRADING SYSTEM
Approve Regulation 2624 – Grading System, in accordance with the information appended to the agenda.
16. Residency Committee Resolutions:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Residency Committee presents the following resolutions for the Board’s information:
For informational purposes only (no vote required): The following totals are as of the May 19, 2026 Board meeting (2025-2026 school year):
|
|
Total |
Elementary |
Middle School |
High School |
|
Students Removed: |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Students Transferred |
19 |
8 |
3 |
8 |
17. Approval of Bills:
Upon recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board concur with the bills listed in the permanent bound register appended to these minutes and be ordered for payment.
18. Unfinished Business:
19. New Business:
20. Comments from Public:
21. Executive Session (if necessary):
22. Adjournment:
